By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Standing in line for the school’s annual Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 18, Meadow View Elementary School third-grader Jaxon Bailey and his mother, Robin, had more reason to celebrate the holiday than many do.

Just a few years ago, Jaxon underwent brain surgery to help combat a rare disorder. For him and his mother to be able to attend the MVES Thanksgiving lunch this year is reason enough to give thanks, Robin Bailey said.

“We are thankful for family, and we are very thankful that Jaxon had surgery to save his life,” Robin said as her son looked up and smiled at her. “He had to have brain surgery to save his life when he was 5, and we are thankful it was successful.”

Jaxon was thankful for something more immediate as he walked into the school’s serving line.

“I’m thankful for my family and all the food we get,” Jaxon said excitedly.

Continuing a school tradition, MVES administrators donned aprons and manned the cafeteria serving lines on Nov. 17-18 as they welcomed students and their families for a Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, dressing and other traditional Thanksgiving delicacies.

After going through the line, Lynn Robertson and her granddaughter, Kelsey Galloway, enjoyed spending time together.

When asked what she was thankful for, Galloway didn’t have to look far.

“You!” she said as she hugged her grandmother.

Third-grader Jet Black and his mother Nikki Badish were also happy for the people in their lives.

“I’m thankful for Thanksgiving, my family and my dogs,” Badish said.

“I’m thankful that I have a house and someone who takes care of me,” Black said as he looked at his mother.

Andrea Wriston and her children, Daniel and Reagan, were thankful for some mid-day family time.

“My little ones and to be able to be here with them,” Andrea Wriston said.

Wriston’s sentiments were echoed by Betty Sue Payton and her grandson, Caden Mims.

“The Lord first of all, and to be able to be here today,” Payton said.

Mims shared his grandmother’s feelings.

“I’m thankful for God and Jesus, who died on the cross, and to be able to come to school and spend time with my mammaw,” Mims said with a smile.